🌱 Priddy Announces Run For State Senate + Donnie D's To Hit The Road

Welcome back, Roanokers! I hope you're enjoying a lazy weekend. I'm here in your inbox this morning with a quick looks what's going on in town in today's Roanoke Patch newsletter. Below you'll read about these stories and more:

• Crowds hit up the St. Paddy's Day Parade.
• Salem sees good economic times.
• Roanoke City's Greenway almost done.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Colder with rain and drizzle. High: 38 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The skirl of the bagpipes and the waving of the tartan was on full display at Roanoke's St. Paddy's Day Parade yesterday. Despite the cold wind and relative lack of sunshine people gathered along both sides of Jefferson Street and Campbell Avenue to watch the pipers, police, fireman, and dogs parade by. For one family it was the first time they'd seen the parade. "We live in Troutville. We’re new to the area. We moved here about a year ago and this is our first chance to go to it," said Mindy Wayts. The celebration continued with a festival afterwards and businesses around the valley have their own celebrations planned throughout the month so get get your Irish on. (WDBJ)
2. First term City Councilman Luke Priddy has announced his run for the state senate seat that is soon to be vacated by retiring Senator John Edwards. Priddy has worked as Edwards chief of staff in Virginia's 4th District for a long time and said the decision to run was one of the easiest decision he's ever had to make. "This campaign needs a candidate who is hungry, young, and has the energy and experience to deliver policies that will improve people’s lives and protect their rights and interests," said Priddy in an official letter to Edwards notifying the senator that he would not renew his contract for employment as chief of staff in order to run. (WFIR)
3. Economic development is buzzing in Salem with the announcement that German auto parts manufacturer STS Group AG will be taking over the old GE Plant. Elsewhere in the Salem area the old Valleydale property is being demolished to make way for new apartments on the corner of 8th Street and Indiana Avenue and the old Givens Books that burned down last year is being cleared to make way for a self-storage business on the corner of East Main Street and Electric Road. "I see a lot of opportunity here in the city of Salem. I think it’s been hitting above its belt in the size of its community and has a lot further to go, with a lot of great assets here that a lot of folks outside the region aren’t aware of," said Tommy Miller, City of Salem's Director of Economic Development. (WDBJ)
4. Roanoke City's part in the development of the Roanoke River Greenway will soon be done with the final stretch reaching to the border with Salem being constructed now. "Basically it connects Bridge Street, which we built this piece back in 2012. So it’s been a while but this connects Bridge Street on up to Aerial Way and up to the Salem border. So this is a big milestone for us,” said Luke Pugh, Roanoke City Engineer. City officials expect the construction to be finished for a late spring or early summer unveiling. This final piece of the greenway will make it 10 miles long. (WDBJ)
5. Donnie D’s Bagels & Deli in Daleville announced in late last month they’d begin expansion with a new food trailer. Now, the popular restaurant said the trailer is complete and has passed its food service inspection. The trailer is currently licensed in the City of Salem and the DeGeorgis Family plans to apply for licenses for Roanoke County and Roanoke City as well. Manager Anson DeGeorgis said they're working on a pop-up schedule. now and plan to debut the trailer on March 25. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art (10:30 a.m.)
  
• Brews and Moves Zumba at Big Lick Brewing Company (11 a.m.)
• Angelic Harps Performance at Art on 1st Gallery (2 p.m.)
• DIY Party at Twisted Track Brewpub (4 p.m.)
• Open Mic Coffey Jams at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "WHOOOO is looking at me?! This Great Horned Owl has a broken beak, was emaciated, has an old eye injury, and is generally very weak, but with medication and supportive care he is becoming way more spunky!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Ivy wants to know if you've started bidding in the Sit.Stay.Give! online auction yet? She knows that all proceeds go to help pets just like her to get the care they need and to find loving homes." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "We can’t wait for summer time and Badfish with Red Not Chili Peppers! 😎 Snag your tickets now at DrPepperPark.com!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Roanoke Pinball Museum: "Well… sadly, the wind didn’t cooperate with our BIG plan to welcome the St. Patrick’s Day parade today, so we took it down. But YOU know we are in here keeping the 2nd floor *energized*, right? ☘️ 😀 ☘️" (Roanoke Pinball Museum via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (March 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 14th and 15th at South County Library in Roanoke (March 14)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com